Gentlemen, Is chivalry dead?

[Bluexstriker]

I want chivalry to die. I'm tired of double standards. What's that? You get different laws, treated better, maternity leave, and less responsibilities generally in a family when it comes to money, in this equal world? MALE OPPRESSION! MALE OPPRESSION! Chivalry will end when women realize they can't be treated differently than men, and still expect to have the door opened and the bill paid for them.

 

[Baconmonster723]

Chivalry is just disguised chauvanism. I hope it dies. You shouldn't be polite to somebody because they're a woman, you should be polite to everybody who's not an asshole because it's the right thing to to do.

You're off but I understand what you're saying. Chivalry was more a code guided towards a knight, someone of great power and stature, using both for the benefit of the poor and downtrodden. It wasn't all about women. Chivalry was as much a guide to using your power for good than anything else. A Chivalric Knight was a knight who used his abilities to protect those who could not be protected, to safeguard those who were threatened, and if need be die to save innocents. The respectful treatment of women was just one of the many facets of the chivalric code.

-To fear God and maintain His Church
-To serve the liege lord in valour and faith
-To protect the weak and defenceless
-To give succour to widows and orphans
-To refrain from the wanton giving of offence
-To live by honour and for glory
-To despise pecuniary reward
-To fight for the welfare of all
-To obey those placed in authority
-To guard the honour of fellow knights
-To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit
-To keep faith
-At all times to speak the truth
-To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun
-To respect the honour of women
-Never to refuse a challenge from an equal
-Never to turn the back upon a foe

That is a true chivalric code. As you can see, the respectful treatment of women was but one small facet of the code itself. If one wishes to decry Chivalry they must decry all facets. Some are not totally necessary anymore in today's day and age, for the most part the religious facets. However, the code still stands.

How many knights actually followed that thing? If the history texts I read are accurate, knights were no better than common thugs.

In reality. Not many. This type of knight was more a depiction based off of King Arthur's Knights. However, the concept is no less important. At least in my opinion. Chivalry is what it is, a moral code, now if it was actually followed in the past is up to much scrutiny, however, Chivalry is what it is. It's a guide to fair treatment of the less fortunate and respectful treatment of superiors and the opposite sex. I'm not saying it's an accurate depiction of knights of the past, but it is much more than most people realize is all. To be considered chivalric you must do much more than simply respect women. Now don't get me wrong. I wasn't entirely clear about your initial comment. Respecting women by giving them preferential treatment is not chivalry. I am almost inclined to agree with you that it's a form of unintentional chauvanism. Chivalry is about doing the right thing because you can, not because you expect to get anything in return. I hope chivalry never dies. But I do hope the bad taste of chauvanism can be removed.

 

[HowToCatchAFirefly]

Chivalry isn't how sexual attraction works anymore.

If an unattractive chick started doing favors and opening doors for you, would you be anymore attracted to her because of it?
Of course not. Same for women, too.

hey now. I would be. Although appearance is what you first see and base general observations off of, I would be more attracted to a guy who wasn't considered attractive if he went out of his way to act like a gentleman towards me. It shows interest, kindness, good manners -- chivalry is less about doing things for people as it is about showing the best part of yourself. Also, with the whole argument of sexism, I don't think it's in any way disrespectful of women to be chivalrous -- quite the opposite, it shows respect. good luck, guys

 

[Crusnik]

People who suggest that chivalry is dead don't seem to understand what chivalry is.

If it is truly dead, then it didn't die on it's own. It was kicked in the balls and shot in the face by women. With deer slugs.

 

[FinalHeart95]

Women want equality, so I give it. I talk to them like I talk to my guy friends usually. Seems to be working out well.

 

[Panda Mania]

First off, if the OP is a "gentleman," then let it be known I enjoy "gentlemen's" diction. Conversations automatically improve with a "quaint," "rather," "chap," or "proper" thrown in.

Anyhow, OT: Rather than promote chivalry (meaning courteous behavior) in the specified context of man towards woman, I've always supported the idea of general respect and kindness towards everybody, regardless of gender. Yeah, yeah, I suppose that is "treating everyone equally," but the little gestures of kindness that chivalry specializes in could benefit a wider range of people once freed from traditional orientation and rationale.

 

[Serenegoose]

First off, if the OP is a "gentleman," then let it be known I enjoy "gentlemen's" diction. Conversations automatically improve with a "quaint," "rather," "chap," or "proper" thrown in.

Anyhow, OT: Rather than promote chivalry (meaning courteous behavior) in the specified context of man towards woman, I've always supported the idea of general respect and kindness towards everybody, regardless of gender. Yeah, yeah, I suppose that is "treating everyone equally," but the little gestures of kindness that chivalry specializes in could benefit a wider range of people once freed from traditional orientation and rationale.

Spiffing comment, chum!


Awww, that sounds really sarcastic. It wasn't meant to be?

 

[Panda Mania]

First off, if the OP is a "gentleman," then let it be known I enjoy "gentlemen's" diction. Conversations automatically improve with a "quaint," "rather," "chap," or "proper" thrown in.

Anyhow, OT: Rather than promote chivalry (meaning courteous behavior) in the specified context of man towards woman, I've always supported the idea of general respect and kindness towards everybody, regardless of gender. Yeah, yeah, I suppose that is "treating everyone equally," but the little gestures of kindness that chivalry specializes in could benefit a wider range of people once freed from traditional orientation and rationale.

Spiffing comment, chum!


Awww, that sounds really sarcastic. It wasn't meant to be?

Naw, it didn't come off as sarcastic. In fact, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Like I'd swallowed a kitten. *takes out pipe* One can never underestimate the power of a compliment, dear sir. *puff puff*

 

[Serenegoose]

First off, if the OP is a "gentleman," then let it be known I enjoy "gentlemen's" diction. Conversations automatically improve with a "quaint," "rather," "chap," or "proper" thrown in.

Anyhow, OT: Rather than promote chivalry (meaning courteous behavior) in the specified context of man towards woman, I've always supported the idea of general respect and kindness towards everybody, regardless of gender. Yeah, yeah, I suppose that is "treating everyone equally," but the little gestures of kindness that chivalry specializes in could benefit a wider range of people once freed from traditional orientation and rationale.

Spiffing comment, chum!


Awww, that sounds really sarcastic. It wasn't meant to be?

Naw, it didn't come off as sarcastic. In fact, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Like I'd swallowed a kitten. *takes out pipe* One can never underestimate the power of a compliment, dear sir. *puff puff*

You've made one of histories most famous blunders! The most famous of which is 'Never start a land war in Asia', but only slightly less well known is this!

Never assume that the person you're talking to on the internet is a sir!

*cackles maniacally, dies*

 

[Dense_Electric]

Here's the thing though, I don't consider treating one half of the population better than the other based on something as trivial and almost always irrelevant as gender to be in any way chivalrous. If by "chivalry" you mean being good to your neighbor and doing unto other as you'd have them do unto you, then yes, I practice it. If by "chivlary" you mean treating women as if they're priviledged and not doing the same for men then no, and I severly hope anyone who does has an unfortunate accident in the near future.

 

[Panda Mania]

First off, if the OP is a "gentleman," then let it be known I enjoy "gentlemen's" diction. Conversations automatically improve with a "quaint," "rather," "chap," or "proper" thrown in.

Anyhow, OT: Rather than promote chivalry (meaning courteous behavior) in the specified context of man towards woman, I've always supported the idea of general respect and kindness towards everybody, regardless of gender. Yeah, yeah, I suppose that is "treating everyone equally," but the little gestures of kindness that chivalry specializes in could benefit a wider range of people once freed from traditional orientation and rationale.

Spiffing comment, chum!


Awww, that sounds really sarcastic. It wasn't meant to be?

Naw, it didn't come off as sarcastic. In fact, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Like I'd swallowed a kitten. *takes out pipe* One can never underestimate the power of a compliment, dear sir. *puff puff*

You've made one of histories most famous blunders! The most famous of which is 'Never start a land war in Asia', but only slightly less well known is this!

Never assume that the person you're talking to on the internet is a sir!

*cackles maniacally, dies*

Ah, quite true. I should've been one of the last to make that mistake, as I myself am not a sir. (And yet I do enjoy a good cigar.) 'Tis unfortunate the English language has always floundered when it comes to gender-neutral terms ("it" does not count--it denotes something nonhuman).

 

[Flunk]

Chivalry is pretty sexist if you think about it. If you live with the idea of equality for all people chivalry isn't really an option.

 

[Jfswift]

I don't think it's dead yet. I still hold the door open for people, and some women still appreciate little displays of courtesy like that.

 

[Smooth Operator]

Well most of my acts of chivalry have been met with condesending looks or remarks, so it's not that chivalry is dead, just unwanted.
On the other hand women always complain how there are no true gentlemen left... silly little game we play.

 

[Marsell]

If chivalry is dead, it means women killed it.

 

[Glaive_21842]

I've always wondered why chivalry should be limited to men helping women. I, for one, can honestly say that I've held open doors for just as many men as i have women. Of course, most of my door holding experience comes from waiting for my ride after college lets out. I'm just there, so i may as well open doors.

I can't say the same for coat borrowing. Although, I've only borrowed out my coat once (to a girl) and most guys i know of aren't particularly succeptible to the cold. With that said, i can't really see myself doing anything different for a freezer-baby girl as i would for a freezer-baby guy...unless its below freezing. Nobody gets my coat then >_<.

In the end, if chivalry is simply manners, then why doesn't it apply in all situations?

 

[Dr. Whiggs]

Maybe on the coasts. Not here.

 

[Elburzito]

Nay, I don't think it's dead, just much harder to find. I've seen a few occasions of chivalry myself.

 

[Imperius]

Chivalry is not dead.
I just can't show its face during the daytime.
Chivalry is underground now,
If you're really lucky you might glimpse it.
It stays in the shadows, watching and protecting.
It is....the Dark Knight!

 

[II2]

I dare say it needn't be, good sir. Though perhaps an investigation of context is in order to ensure a modicum of success, right-o!